Written by Natalia |
When you walk through Hangzhou’s historic district and approach the famed Daijing Alley, you see a late Qing Dynasty Hui-style architecture. This is Hu Qing Yu Tang, the largest pharmaceutical establishment in Jiangnan region. Its lofty corridors, intricate carvings and unique plaques with slogans such as “No Deception”, radiate the rich heritage of traditional Chinese medicine, revealing the ethos of this century-old institution.
Recognized for its exceptional contributions to Chinese medicine, Hu Qing Yu Tang’s traditional herbal culture was inscribed among China’s first national intangible cultural heritage list. Here, visitors can not only experience Hangzhou’s folk history but also immerse themselves in the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbal preparation. They can explore the raw materials and production processes up close behind medicinal remedies and appreciate the enduring charm of China’s cultural quintessence.
Essential Travel Information
- Location: 95, Da Jing Lane, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Chinese name:胡庆余堂
- Tickets: 10 yuan
- Opening hours:8:30 – 17:00
- Time needed:2-3 hours
History and Development
Hu Qingyu Tang, founded in 1874 by Hu Xueyan, has a remarkable history spanning over a century. Hu Xueyan was a well-known businessman in late Qing Dynasty, in Hangzhou. Not a pharmacist himself, Hu’s keen business acumen and deep reverence for traditional medicine made Hu Qing Yu Tang the best pharmacy in south China. He created the guiding philosophy “no deception,” stressing the use of actual ingredients and painstaking preparation processes. His consistent dedication to excellence and honesty is what allowed the pharmacy to thrive in a highly competitive industry, even earning it the title of “King of Medicine in Southern China.”
After the founding of New China, Hu Qingyu Tang underwent significant changes, including the transformation into a public-private joint venture from Hangzhou Medicinal Materials Station. It became a state enterprise after socialist reforms in 1965. After China’s reform and opening-up, Huqing Yutang underwent new changes. In late 1996, it was purchased by Qingchunbao Group and became a wholly-owned subsidiary. In 1999, it became a modern shareholding company, where management held a majority state.
Hu Qingyu Tang has continued to innovate with its traditions well preserved since the 21st century. Collaborating with Westlake University, it conducts advanced research on traditional Chinese medicine formulas using modern technology, developing “light wellness” products tailored to contemporary lifestyles. The pharmacy has also extended its global approach and expanded markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.
What to See and Experience in Hu Qing Yu Tang
Feel the Unique Culture
Throughout its long history, Hu Qing Yu Tang has accumulated a rich and unique culture that can be considered the essence of traditional Chinese business culture. It is also one of the secrets to the enduring success of this century-old store.
- True and Fair Price: Huqing Yutang follows the ancestral teaching of “authentic sourcing and meticulous processing” in making medicine. The high quality of its products leads it to advocate the principle of “True and Fair Price” in competition.
- Avoid Deception: It values the principle of avoiding deception in business. The famous plaque “Avoid Deception” was written by Hu Xueyan himself. It warns employees: “In all business dealings, deception must be avoided. In the pharmaceutical industry, which is related to life and death, deception is especially unacceptable.”
Appreciate the Brilliance of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
The Hu Qing Yu Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum is 4,350 square meters and includes five component units: the exhibition hall, the traditional Chinese medicine handicraft workshop, the health care clinic, the business hall, and the medicinal diet restaurant.
In the exhibition hall, you can learn the origin and development history of traditional Chinese medicine through lots of treasures. You can also learn about the anecdotes of famous people in different dynasties, such as Hua Tuo, Bian Que, Li Shizhen and others. While visiting Hu Qing Yu Tang’s existing precious pharmaceutical cultural relics, you can also appreciate the style of the national famous traditional Chinese medicine factories.
Experience the Medicine-Making Process in Person
In the handicraft workshop of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, experienced old pharmacists will perform wonderful live manual operations and traditional Chinese medicine slicing for the audience. If visitors also want to have a try after watching, they can use traditional manual tools in the “Interest Room” to experience the ancient medicine-making process and have fun. This is surely a very meaningful thing you can do in your Hangzhou trip.
Enjoy a Cup of Health Coffee
Hu Qingyutang has a healthy coffee shop outside. The outdoor area of the coffee shop is designed with elements of traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, which not only shows the culture of traditional Chinese medicine but also fits the brand image of “Ruyi Ginseng” coffee.
Through the new Chinese-style decoration, overall color, and shopfront decoration, it highlights the business philosophy of “Time-honored Brand, Ever Young” and shows the historical inheritance of the century-old pharmacy. In the elegant and quiet environment, you can choose a cup of health coffee that suits you, sit in the sun, enjoy the beauty of Chinese-style courtyard, and chat with a few friends. It feels very pleasant.
Best Time to Go
Spring and autumn are the most appropriate seasons for traveling Hangzhou, with moderate temperatures and beautiful landscapes. The best months to visit will be late March and early April, when the peach blossoms are abundant. Apart from visiting Hu Qing Yu Tang, walking along the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway also allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of pink peach blossoms and green willows in your surrounding.
How to Get There
- Subway:Take Line 7 to Wushan Plaza Station. After exiting from Exit D, walk for about 600 meters to reach the Huqing Yutang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum in Qinghefang Street.
- Buses:Take Bus No. 8, 40, or 1314 and get off at Wushan Plaza East, No. 4 and get off at the bus stop near Exit C of Wushan Plaza Station, and No. 13, 39, 66, 71, 84, 195, 198, 283, 287, 308, 352 and get off at the Gulou Bus Stop.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- At the Medicinal Cuisine Restaurant, you can taste healthy dishes made with medicinal herbal ingredients to prevent illness and lengthen your lifespan.
- The Sales Hall isn’t only about buying premium traditional Chinese medicines – it also features TCM experts conducting personalized wellness consultations.
- Begin your tour on the second floor, where an introduction to Chinese medicine is found. You can also visit the museum’s crowned jewels: the fabled Golden Spade and Silver Pot.
- If you need a TCM consultation, please make an appointment in advance through the official WeChat account “Hu Qingyu Tang” to ensure you get one.
Nearby Attractions
- Hangzhou Drum Tower: The Drum Tower in Hangzhou marks the beginning of the Qinghefang Historical and Cultural Block. It was originally built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
- Qinghefang Street: Located in the bustling Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, it is the oldest commercial area in Hangzhou. The block is rich in historical and cultural heritage and has a profound cultural background.
